Bob James : Three :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James - Three
Released 1976

1. Storm King
2. One Mint Julep
3. Westchester Lady
4. Jamaica Farewell
5. Women Of Ireland - (from "Barry Lyndon")

All tracks have been digitally remastered. Personnel: Bob James (keyboards); Eric Gale, Hugh McCracken, Jeff Mironov (guitar); Gloria Agostini (harp); Harold Kohon, David Nadien, Matthew Raimondi (violin); Al Brown (viola); Alan Shulman, Charles McCracken (cello); Eddie Daniels, Hubert Laws, Jerry Dodgion (flute); Grover Washington Jr. (whistle, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jon Faddis, Lew Soloff, Marvin Stamm, John Frosk (trumpet); Dave Bargeron, Dave Taylor, Wayne Andre (trombone); Gary King, Will Lee (bass guitar); Harvey Mason, Andrew Newmark (drums); Ralph McDonald (percussion). Recording information: Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey (1975 - 1976). 1976's THREE is easily one of Bob James' finest recordings. The Creed Taylor-produced album makes its statement with five classic pieces arranged and conducted by James. "Westchester Lady" ranks among the biggest successes of the keyboardist's long career. The album opens with "One Mint Julep," an energetic fusion cut featuring a strong brass section of Grover Washington, Jr. and Jon Faddis, among others. The haunting melody of "Women of Ireland" marks a turn for slower tempos, with Eddie Daniels on flute and a fine guitar solo by Eric Gale. Daniels returns with a solo on the mellow "Jamaica Farewell." Harvey Mason, Will Lee, and Gary King provide notable support throughout. James' electronic-piano playing simulates vibes on "Storm King," a number almost sunk by its very '70s-styled orchestration. But James' fans won't be disappointed by this third, fine release, and lovers of '70s fusion will definitely want THREE to round out their collections.

"Bob James has always been synonymous, for me, of the quintessential musician, able to tackle different styles of music and wear different hats. A true Renaissance Keyboardist! As a young teenager growing up in France, I first took notice of Bob's name by figuring out that those cool sounds on Quincy's "Body Heat" and the super cool arrangements and Rhodes part of "Crazy After All These Years" were coming from the same guy. After I moved to Boston to attend Berklee, I discovered the solo album, the collaboration projects with Sanborn, the ubiquitous Taxi theme and then, thrown in for good measure and push the envelope even further, a record of Couperin's music. And if that was not close enough to home for me, he discovered Kirk Whalum for whom we share the deepest respect and affection. Come to think of it, since home for me is now Westchester, do you think he had a part in that too?" - Philippe Saisse

"Bob James never ceases to amaze me. When I first met him he was sitting in front of a piano not looking at all like a pianist, so I didn't expect very much from him. Especially since he was about to accompany one of the greatest singers of our time, Ms. Sarah Vaughn, but when his hands touched that piano his brilliance became clearly evident. His musicianship reflected both his jazz and classical experience. He enhanced her performances beautifully. I later found him to be an incredible arranger who had a flair for pop music mixed with jazz and R&B. His recordings as a stable mate on CTI Records reflected a very listenable modern approach to jazz. As a producer he has created records that started a trend that transcends its time. As a member of the group Fourplay, Bob has once again shown his unlimited ability to adapt to any musical environment.

It is an honour to recognize Bob James as the first recipient of the George
Benson Lifetime Achievement Award." - George Benson